More Christmas

On Tuesday, we loaded up my stepdad's minivan (took us forever!) and headed east to visit Chad's mom's side of the family. Both girls did well in the car, which was nice of them because we made a wrong turn and Chad needed to concentrate. (Who knew there was more than one Hwy 110- I thought they only did that in Japan.) Did I mention that we did not have a cell phone with us? Good times. We were a little stressed out when we got there and ready to relax and enjoy a big traditional holiday meal and some time with Chad's aunt, uncle, cousins and their families. Abbey did not talk to anyone but she did like eating mashed potatoes and playing golf with her cousin Brooke!

Chad's grandmother, Bobbie, presents Elliott with her special quilt, handmade by Bobbie and her sister Laverne. It is called "Butter Honey" (Abbey's suggestion for naming Elliott) and it is beautiful!

Abbey and Brooke play golf.

After that, we drove a little more to Chad's sister Lisa's house, where we spent the night. Abbey was thrilled to meet her dogs and finally started talking! And the cousins finally all met: Lisa's son Lucas had been born since our last visit home and it had been a long time since we saw his big sister, Erin. We opened a few presents but then headed farther east and south to Chad's mom's house... stay tuned for more installments of our Christmas story!

Elliott and Lucas check each other out.

Newman cousins: Erin (11), Lucas (11 months), Abbey and Elliott